Evidence of Grace

Christianity doesn't remove people from being relevant in this world and confine them to a subjective or internal spiritual existence that kind of floats above this dusty life. Pagan ideas about God and His Kingdom tend to lift the so called 'spiritual' person above the necessities and constraints of the mundane and earthiness of life. Whereas, God's description of Kingdom service grounds the servant's feet firmly into the dust and struggles of this life. It is into that dusty context that God bestows His grace and it is in the midst of earthy circumstances and difficulties that the glory and power of God's grace is exalted. Paul mentions two things that demonstrate God's grace in people's lives, namely, abundant joy in the midst of tribulations and generosity even in the face of great personal lack. Paul then expounds a little upon true Kingdom wealth which is self-sacrificial generosity for the glory of God and the benefit of others.